A law enforcement operation making arrests and serving search warrants over the last two days targeted a multi-state drug trafficking network led by drug cartel members in Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. The drug trafficking organization distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine was active in Washington State, New York, Arizona, Oregon, California, Tennessee, and Utah. The group allegedly used a Manhattan Beach, California, cryptocurrency business to launder and transfer money to Mexico. The owner of that business, GREGORY DAVID WERBER, 56, was arrested last night and appeared in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California today. Other defendants appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today.

“Overdoses involving fentanyl are growing at an alarming rate in Washington State,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “We are committed to bringing all needed resources to identifying and prosecuting groups that distribute this deadly poison in our communities. I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners who developed the evidence that led to the arrests that occurred today.”

Over December 5th and 6th, 2018, more than 400 federal, state and local law enforcement officers executed fifty-one federal arrest warrants and search warrants on more than 50 buildings and 35 vehicles. In Western Washington the group distributed heroin, crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills in Pierce, Kitsap, King, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid. Following one seizure from a vehicle, Washington State Patrol troopers were treated for their accidental exposure.

“The dangerous pills containing fentanyl flowing through this pipeline operated by this Western Washington distribution network has been shut down,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. “Those profiting from pushing illicit opioids such as fentanyl and heroin into our most vulnerable communities will be met with a significant law enforcement response.”

The investigation began 18 months ago with drug seizures by the Bremerton Police Department. More recently, on November 28, 2018, law enforcement seized more than 13 pounds of heroin from the engine compartment of a semi-truck driven by a frequent smuggler for the ring. In addition to coded cell phone conversations, many of the members of the ring also communicated via Facebook messenger. Today alone law enforcement seized 39 firearms and more than 4 kilos of heroin.

“An agency the size of Bremerton can impact crime on a larger scale when it is able to partner with agencies like the DEA,” said Bremerton Chief of Police James Burchett. “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of all the officers and agents that made this operation a reality.”

This investigation was conducted by the DEA Tacoma Resident Office and the Bremerton Police Department, with significant assistance from the Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Special Operations Division, Chantilly, Virginia and Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).